Reno is not a mountain town, but it is high. For someone arriving from Sacramento, which sits at about 27 feet, the climb on the drive in covers more than 7,000 feet at Donner Summit before dropping to the valley. This page uses the U.S. Geological Survey elevation data to show how high each part of the area is, and then translates that into practical advice for a household moving up.
How high the neighborhoods are
The elevations below are USGS 3D Elevation Program values at the reference point used for each area, so they are good for comparison and not a survey of any one lot.
| Area | Elevation (feet) |
|---|---|
| Southeast Reno | 4,395 |
| O'Brien's warehouse, Sparks | 4,437 |
| Downtown and Midtown Reno | 4,497 |
| Old Southwest Reno | 4,617 |
| Northwest Reno and Somersett | 5,008 |
| Caughlin Ranch | 5,169 |
| Galena and Montreux | 6,286 |
A neighborhood a few miles uphill can differ by a thousand feet from downtown, which affects snowfall as well as air pressure. Homes on the west side of the valley see snow settle more often than homes near the airport.
The first days
Lower air pressure means less oxygen per breath, and some people feel it as a headache, poor sleep or shortness of breath on stairs for the first days. It is common, and it usually fades as the body adjusts. Drinking water, easing into hard exercise and avoiding heavy meals the first evening are the usual suggestions. Anyone with a heart or lung condition should ask their own doctor before moving to a higher elevation, and moving day itself is a physical day, so pace the lifting.
What changes for your belongings
Sealed bags and bottles expand a little as they come up from a lower elevation, so cap liquids loosely, double-bag shampoo and keep food in sealed containers. Cooking and baking can need new timings, because water boils at a lower temperature at 4,500 feet. Houseplants and wood furniture meet very dry air, as the weather page shows.
Pressurized aerosol cans and similar hazardous items are on the list of things movers cannot carry, and the what movers will not move guide spells out the rest. The high altitude moving guide gives a packing checklist.
The drive in
The usual I-80 route from Sacramento crosses Donner Summit at about 7,200 feet by USGS data. Cars lose some power at elevation, and brakes work harder on the way down the eastern side. The winter driving page covers chain controls and weather.
If you are moving into the hills, remember that the storms that leave rain in the valley can leave snow above 5,000 feet.
A short list
- Keep a first-night box with water bottles, snacks and any medications you use.
- Plan lighter work the first afternoon, or ask the crew to place boxes by room so you can unpack at your pace.
- Check tire pressure after the drive up, since cold mornings lower it.
- Move plants last and unwrap them out of direct sun.
- Give pets water and a quiet spot during the transfer.